Power ashore, pollution no more

Finning, the provider of mobile generation solutions to maritime and other industries, has urged ports to act now with temporary shore power solutions. The call comes as the UK edges closer to regulated emissions cuts at berth. With the Shore Power Summit heading for Rotterdam in November, all eyes are on how the sector can meet the demand for cleaner energy today, while preparing for the grid infrastructure of tomorrow.

With the UK Government’s Net Zero Ports consultation now closed, Finning UK & Ireland is calling for immediate action to reduce emissions from ships at berth. As ports and shipping lines await the outcome of proposals that could mandate zero-emission power sources for vessels docked for over two hours, Finning argues that temporary shore power systems offer a fast, effective and cleaner alternative.

Grid capacity at breaking point

“Ports know change is coming, but they don’t always have the infrastructure to keep up,” said Derek Wendel, General Manager for Energy & Transportation Aftermarket and Power Rental at Finning. “Not only is this leading to higher emissions at berth, it’s also slowing down planned electric services.” One of the biggest challenges to permanent shore power installations remains access to grid capacity. According to the British Ports Association, the national trade and membership body, seven of the ten largest ports in England and Wales are already operating near maximum capacity.

That constraint makes long-term investment difficult, particularly as operators face pressure to deliver cleaner operations now. “Running ship engines at low load just to power onboard systems when docked isn’t ideal,” said Wendel. “It increases emissions and adds wear, meaning more frequent maintenance. Temporary shore power can address these problems by letting ports cut emissions now, without waiting for long-term grid upgrades.”

Clean power and modular battery solutions

Finning is deploying temporary power solutions that include containerised EU Stage V-compliant generator sets, offering a significantly cleaner burn than conventional auxiliary engines. Units from 75 kVA to 2,000 kVA are available with full installation support, including cabling, switchgear and transformers. “Our Stage V generators can cut NOX emissions significantly compared to an equivalent marine engine, and they’re ready to go in days, not years,” said Wendel. “It’s not just about future plans, it’s about what we can do next week or next month.”

Looking beyond gensets, Finning is preparing to pilot modular battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use in port environments. These battery systems are already being trialled in continental Europe and offer zero-emission, silent power—ideal for ports in urban or residential areas with noise restrictions. BESS units can be trickle-charged during periods of low demand and then rapidly discharged to meet vessel requirements. The company sees these as a scalable option for ports not yet ready or able to install fixed shore power infrastructure.

Regulation is coming – and so is the Summit

Alongside the Net Zero Ports initiative, the introduction of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for domestic shipping in 2026 is ramping up the pressure. Ports that fail to act now may find themselves caught short when regulations tighten. “Temporary shore power can be a key stepping stone to permanent solutions, without locking operators into any single technology,” said Wendel. “It gives the industry breathing room to prepare, while delivering benefits immediately.”

These challenges and opportunities will be at the centre of debate at the Shore Power Summit, taking place in Rotterdam this November. Hosted by WorldCargo News, the event will bring together port authorities, shipping lines, energy providers and regulators to address the commercial, technical and political dimensions of shore power. Short-term rental strategies to long-term infrastructure planning are a dilemma on the Summit agenda. Shore power is not going away, and cleaner solutions are a constant task. Decision-makers need to align on priorities and explore the best route to cleaner port operations. With implementation challenges, evolving technology and legislative deadlines all on the table, it promises to be one of the most comprehensive discussions on maritime electrification to date.